An anonymous reader writes "The New York Times has confirmed the story that Paramount and DreamWorks Animation were paid $150 million for an exclusive HD-DVD deal that will last 18 months. 'Paramount and DreamWorks Animation declined to comment. Microsoft, the most prominent technology company supporting HD DVDs, said it could not rule out payment but said it wrote no checks. "We provided no financial incentives to Paramount or DreamWorks whatsoever," said Amir Majidimehr, the head of Microsoft's consumer media technology group.'" We discussed Paramount's defection on Monday.

Amir Ansari asks: "There have been many comparisons between various archival media (hard drive, tape, magneto-optical, CD/DVD, and so on). Of course, the most important characteristics are permanence and portability, but what about the file systems involved? For instance, I routinely archive my data onto an external hard drive: easy to update and mirror, but which file system provides the best combination of reliability, future-proofing, data recovery, and availability across multiple platforms (Linux, OS X, BeOS/Zeta and Windows, in my case)? Open Source best guarantees the future availability of the standard and specification, but are file systems such as ext2 suitable for archival storage? Is journaling important?"

BokLM writes "Microsoft's Amir Majidimehr, Corporate VP of the Windows Digital Media Division, explained at a DRM conference in London why they require a license fee from device makers." From the article: "According to Amir, the fee is not intended to recoup the expenses Microsoft incurred in developing their DRM, or to turn a profit. The intention is to reduce the number of licensees to a manageable level, to lock out 'hobbyists' and other entities that Microsoft doesn't want to have to trouble itself with."

You may recall that sometime last November we put up a request for questions to be passed on to author, voice actor, comedian, and card shark Wil Wheaton. Seven months and many adventures later, Wil has responded in depth to the excellent queries Slashdot users put to him. If you're curious about what's kept him, what it's like to be a Teen Titan, or how to use the LCARS User Interface, read on for his responses.

An anonymous reader writes "The X Prize Foundation today announced that entrepreneurs Anousheh Ansari and Amir Ansari have made a multi-million dollar contribution to the X Prize Foundation. As a result, the X Prize Competition is being renamed to the Ansari X Prize Competition." However, the X Prize rules stay the same: "The ANSARI X PRIZE will award $10 million to the first private organization to build and fly a ship that can carry three passengers 100 km (62 miles) into space, return safely to Earth and repeat the launch with the same ship within two weeks. Both flights must be completed by January 1st, 2005."

Halfway through the Net Revolution, many are sobering up -- still excited but wiser and warier. Two ideas stand out as monumental victories: the hacker ethos and Open Source. The hackers brought joy and and freedom back to work, Open Source has bred some powerful offspring -- open media, culture and a more open society. It may end up the most enduring legacy of the Net Revolution. Last of a series. (Read more).

Fight in Richmond Virginia ... Its so cool see TUF fighters when they were all underground and shit.

Fight in Richmond Virginia ... Amir beats CB. Jesse destroys the limo and the limo company press charges. CB beats Tim.

UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps ... Betting on UFC. Interested in betting on the UFC? Check out the MMAjunkie MMA Wagering Guide

Amir Sadollah- Photos, bio, wallpaper, interviews. Amir Sadollah in UFC with uncensored rumors, gossip, pictures. Amir Sadollah quotes, interviews, background.

Sports message boards, forums, blogs and groups at CBSSports.com Community. Here's your opportunity to be heard.

Amir Sadollah is one of 16 middleweights to fight their way into the house for a chance to win a contract with the UFC on Spike TV’s reality series “The Ultimate Fighter 7.

ifilm website. copy right VIACOM 2006 ... CB Dalloway and Amir Sadollah give their thoughts on their upcoming match.

Sports message boards, forums, blogs and groups at CBSSports.com Community. Here's your opportunity to be heard.

Sports message boards, forums, blogs and groups at CBSSports.com Community. Here's your opportunity to be heard.

NBCSports.com Forums ... Check out what Amir had to say about this week's TUF 7 episode: http://punch.freedomblogging.com/2008/05/2...blog-episode-8/

Fight in Richmond Virginia ... Its so cool see TUF fighters when they were all underground and shit.

Fight in Richmond Virginia ... Amir beats CB. Jesse destroys the limo and the limo company press charges. CB beats Tim.

UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps ... Betting on UFC. Interested in betting on the UFC? Check out the MMAjunkie MMA Wagering Guide

Amir Sadollah- Photos, bio, wallpaper, interviews. Amir Sadollah in UFC with uncensored rumors, gossip, pictures. Amir Sadollah quotes, interviews, background.

Sports message boards, forums, blogs and groups at CBSSports.com Community. Here's your opportunity to be heard.

Amir Sadollah is one of 16 middleweights to fight their way into the house for a chance to win a contract with the UFC on Spike TV’s reality series “The Ultimate Fighter 7.

ifilm website. copy right VIACOM 2006 ... CB Dalloway and Amir Sadollah give their thoughts on their upcoming match.

Sports message boards, forums, blogs and groups at CBSSports.com Community. Here's your opportunity to be heard.

Sports message boards, forums, blogs and groups at CBSSports.com Community. Here's your opportunity to be heard.

NBCSports.com Forums ... Check out what Amir had to say about this week's TUF 7 episode: http://punch.freedomblogging.com/2008/05/2...blog-episode-8/